If you’re a regular shaver, chances are you’ll want to take your razor on your next trip away. However, as it’s a sharp blade, you may be asking can you take a razor in your hand luggage on a plane and what the restrictions are.

Whether it’s allowed on the flight, and where to pack it, ultimately depends on the type of blades your razor has.

There are some strict rules about what you can carry in your hand luggage – and what you can’t. Strangely the most confiscated items taken from British travellers at airport security include live animals and Marmite!

Razors on the other hand are unlikely to be confiscated if you stick to the following guidelines, but always double-check the regulations specific to your airline and departure and arrival airports.

Handles, cartridges and blades

When we talk about ‘razors’ we usually mean the whole shebang – handle, cartridge and blade. However, to better understand whether you can take your razor on a plane, we need to look at these parts separately.

Handles can typically go in either your hand luggage or hold luggage without restriction.

Where you pack the blades, however, depends on how they attach to your razor and whether or not they have certain safety features.

Cartridge razors

Cartridge razors are those with a detachable head of self-contained blades. These blades are fixed in place and cannot be easily removed from the cartridge.

These razors typically come with a few replacement cartridges, with refill cartridges available when needed. For example, all Dorco razors are cartridge razors.

Both the handle and cartridges are widely accepted in both hold luggage and hand luggage.

The only condition is that you put any supplied protective coverings over the blades to protect airport staff if they search your bags.

Disposable razors

Disposable razors feature a fixed head and blades that cannot be easily removed. Users dispose of the whole product once it becomes blunt.

These are widely accepted in both hold luggage and hand luggage without restriction.

Again, it is advised to attach any protective covers that came with the blades.

Safety razors

Safety razors feature a single, often double-edged, interchangeable razor blade. The razor blade itself is widely prohibited in hand luggage because they are so easy to take out, which could be dangerous. The handle of a safety razor, however, should be allowed in both types of luggage without restriction – there’s nothing dangerous about the handle!

You should therefore always detach the blade before travel and pack it, along with any spare blades, in your hold luggage only.

Always double-check before flying

The above guidance is based on Government guidelines, so will apply to most airports and airlines. However, these can vary and be subject to change over time, so it’s worth checking both the Government’s and the Airline’s websites before you go to gain peace of mind.

If in doubt, always check with both your departure and destination airports and airlines before travelling. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that all Dorco razors and replacement blades can typically be packed in both your hand luggage or hold luggage, according to the UK Government’s own airport regulations.

For more information on hand luggage restrictions, visit the UK government website.

How often should you replace the blades on your razor? This important question is often overlooked, but regularly changing the blades on your razor is essential not only for an effective shave, but also for protecting your health.

As a very general rule, women may change their razors less frequently than men because they shave less regularly – though conversely they are more likely to shave a larger portion of their body hair than male shavers!

The frequency that you should change the blades on your razor will also depend on things like the quality of the razor, how often you shave and how thick your hair is.

To be sure you’re not using a razor beyond its recommended limits, here are some obvious signs to watch out for that indicate it’s time for a change.

Sharp razor, comfortable shave

Dull or rusty razor blades can tug at hairs and increase the chances of shaving irritating and skin damage.

If you experience shaving irritation, cut yourself often, or it simply doesn’t feel comfortable when shaving, then your razor is probably the cause.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, razor blades should be changed every five to seven shaves to minimise irritation.

Protecting delicate skin

Shaving with a rusty or bacteria-filled razor can harm your skin, often resulting in little red bumps on the surface. If you accidentally cut yourself, then there is also a very real risk of more serious infections.

Any signs of dullness, rust or other substances appearing on the surface are therefore a clear signal to change your blades.

Even if you haven’t used it in a while, try change your razor as regularly as possible. Over time, exposure to the elements will naturally causes your razor’s blades to rust and start to harbour nasty bacteria.

Buy quality blades

A quality razor and set of blades, such as the Dorco EVE 6, can significantly affect how often you need to replace them.

Better quality razors and blades, which need to be replaced less often, should be more economical over time, and give you a consistently comfortable shave for longer.

Dorco razors use ancient blade-making techniques backed by the latest technology and expertise to give you sharp, strong, long-lasting blades.

Care between uses

How you store your razor between uses has perhaps the greatest impact on how long it will last.

Rust and bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments. Storing your razor near your bath or shower is therefore probably the worst place if you’re looking to prolong its life.

Ideally you should store razors in a cool, dry place – such as a bathroom drawer or cabinet – with the blades facing upwards.

Hassle-free replacement

To be sure your razors remain both comfortable and safe to use, why not consider Dorco’s subscription service with your first month costing you just £1!

To start saving money and take the hassle out of changing your blade, simply click here.